7 reasons to skip your usual NYE plans and attend Brew Year’s Eve

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Isn’t it time for something different this New Year’s Eve?

I know what you’re thinking. “I’ve already been to every kind of party on New Year’s Eve – I’m over it.” Or “I already have a New Year’s Eve tradition, and I’m sticking to it.” Or “New Year’s Eve is for amateurs – I’m staying home.” Well if you’re a craft beer lover (and if you’re reading this – I’m willing to bet you are), there’s finally an event on December 31 just for you, and you won’t want to miss out.

Lou Dog Events, the organizers that brought a staggering number of stellar craft beer festivals to Chicagoland this past year, is hosting Brew Year’s Eve, and it’s right up your alley. Here’s why:

It’s all about real craft beer 
Remember that fancy, black-tie ballroom party you went to last year? The one that had a “craft” beer list highlighted by Blue Moon and Allagash White? Hellllll no. Brew Year’s Eve has lined up a virtual murderer’s row of local breweries known for some of the country’s most popular beers. These include:

Forbidden Root
Goose Island
Half Acre
Off Color
Penrose
Pipeworks
Pollyanna
Revolution
Solemn Oath
Three Floyds
Two Brothers
Virtue

As this is a craft beer event, keep in mind that there won’t be wine or a fully stocked bar. Just the best selection of craft beer and cider you’ll find anywhere on New Year’s Eve – 30 or more to choose from. You’ll also be treated to a couple of signature cocktails courtesy of Forbidden Root and a special cider toast at midnight.

BYE14One of the most unique settings in Chicago 
On the city’s near west side, Salvage One (1840 W. Hubbard St.) provides one of the most distinctive backdrops for an event you’ll find. The facility’s first floor houses a collection of architectural elements you have to see to believe and will spend a fair amount of time perusing. The second and third floors are set up for receptions and events with rustic, yet refined, design touches. Chances are you’ve been to a wedding here and already know how amazing of a space it is. Now just imagine it filled with amazing beer and all of your friends.

Skip the pretentiousness
Do you enjoy dropping $25 for a couple of watered down cocktails every time you elbow your way to the bar? I thought not. At Brew Year’s Eve, there’s no obnoxious, jacked-up drink prices – you can try as many of the beers/cocktails as you like as part of your ticket price. Nor will you have to fight for the attention of a pompous, hipster bartender at the lone bar on the other side of some banquet hall. The beer taps will be spread out around the first and second floors of the venue.

BYE14There’s music for every mood 
Most NYE parties have a loud band on stage all night, rendering any chance of conversation futile. With three spacious floors of Salvage One to work with, Brew Year’s Eve is mixing up the music offering and giving you the ability to switch between styles and volumes. On the first and third floors, solo artists Gregory Hyde and Aryk Crowder will be performing, while cover band Dr. Rock will turn the second floor into a dance party.

Pair your beers with tasty finger foods
Let’s be honest – the main attraction of most NYE party-goers is the booze. So why fill your belly with a fancy three-course meal when you only need some light fare to lay down your base for the night? Brew Year’s Eve will have 10 hearty passed hors d’oeuvres that pair well with beer. These include mozzarella skewers, finger sandwiches, shrimp skewers, bacon-wrapped dates, beef kabobs, Wellington puffs and chicken sate. An eye-popping dessert buffet with chocolate éclairs, cannolis, mini cheesecakes and other treats will round out the night’s offerings.

BYE14Play it safe when the party’s over
Not only has the event partnered with Uber to get you home safely (use the code UberOnChi14 to save $20 off your first ride), but a block of rooms has been reserved at the nearby Chicago Marriott at UIC for a mere $139. Good luck finding a hotel room for that low of a price elsewhere in the city on NYE. A continuous free shuttle will be running between Salvage One and the Marriott, so save your cab fare for brunch the next morning.

You’ll be donating to a good cause
A portion of Brew Year’s Eve proceeds will benefit the Grant Park Conservancy, a 501c(3) not-for-profit with a mission to provide a permanent body that enables Grant Park to respond and adapt to the changing needs of its users as the park passes from generation to generation. Some of these needs relate to landscaping, infrastructure, design, cultural activities and environmental issues.

For tickets and more information on Brew Year’s Eve, visit www.brewyearseve.com.

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